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If a DJI drone is on your list to buy until 2026, you may want to act fast. The Federal Communications Commission has implemented an expected ban on the import of foreign-made drones, including those manufactured by DJI, the world’s leading seller of aviation hardware.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Monday added unmanned aircraft systems and components that are produced in a foreign country to its covered list, a register of equipment and services deemed to “pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States.”
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Public noticeThis includes, but is not limited to, data transmission devices, flight controllers, sensors, cameras, batteries, motors, and other drone components.
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In late October, the agency Vote 30 To “close loopholes” that allow technology deemed a “national security risk” to be sold in the United States. In plain English, the US government paved the way to give DJI the same treatment it gave Chinese phone maker Huawei, effectively banning its products from the US market.
DJI said in a statement that it is disappointed with the decision. A company spokesperson said: “Although DJI has not been identified, no information has been released regarding the information the executive used in reaching its decision.” “Concerns about DJI data security were not based on evidence but instead reflect protectionism, inconsistent with open market principles.”
DJI said it remains committed to the US market and that launches of its potential future products here could be permitted at the discretion of the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.
Drones already in the hands of US consumers are not affected: “This action does not affect any previously purchased drone. Consumers can continue to use any drone they have already legally purchased or obtained,” the FCC said in a statement. Fact sheet About change.
In its announcement, the government cited upcoming high-profile events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, as mass gathering events that could be compromised by drones.
“The federal government is taking additional actions to protect Americans and restore U.S. sovereignty over the airspace,” the FCC said.
The FCC is also considering a separate ban on tp link routersbut that was not included in the December update to its covered list.
DJI required a security audit prior to any ban
In October, DJI told CNET that the FCC appeared to be making its decision “without any evidence of wrongdoing or the right to appeal.”
Adam Welsh, head of global policy at DJI, said the company had repeatedly said it would be open to scrutiny, but “more than 10 months have passed without any indication that the process has begun.”
“The United States government has every right to strengthen national security measures, but this must go hand in hand with due process, fairness and transparency,” Welch said at the time.
Will DJI drone owners need to give them up?
Since the ban applies to new sales, not drones already sold, using a DJI drone you already own is still legal — at least under current rules.
However, government agencies have already been banned from purchasing or using drones from Chinese companies, including DJI.
DJI drones consistently rank among the highest in their product category. And in January they did It dominated CNET’s list of the best drones of 2025. But some of the company’s latest products, Like DJI Mavic 4 Prowas not available for sale in the United States.
Even before the policy change, some DJI products were difficult to find. The UAV Coach website has Publish a ban guide It is reported that due to inventory issues, most DJI drone models have been sold out at retailers.